Roland Cutinho
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag provides a fresh injury update on new signing Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given a mixed response when asked about Rasmus Hojlund’s availability in the Premier League season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Monday.
The Dutch boss confirmed that his new striker is still not on the same level as his teammates in terms of fitness. The club is positive and confident that the former Serie A striker will return soon.
Man United signed Hojlund from Fiorentina in a £85 million deal this summer. However, among all the hype, the fans have to wait to see the young striker lead from the front in the upcoming season.
The 20-year-old was introduced to the Old Trafford fans before their 3-1 victory against Lens in a friendly match last week. However, the supporters will need to be patient to witness the new player in action.
The Danish striker has been absent from the game since he scored during his national team’s 1-1 draw with Slovenia in the middle of June.
He has been dealing with injuries and consequently missed a significant portion of the pre-season period.
He is set to follow the path to recovery at United and will miss the first few weeks of action. In the pre-match press conference, the gaffer was asked about the prognosis of the youngster’s injury. As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, he said:
“As we said previously, he had a small issue and he’s not on the levels where our players are in this moment so we have to train him. Prognosis [is] difficult always to say. We are confident and we are positive.”
It was quite clear from the manager’s words that Hojlund will be unavailable for the Wolves clash and that much attention will be given to bringing him back to the desired fitness levels.
The young striker will be sidelined along with Tyrell Malacia, Tom Heaton, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Dean Henderson.
This means that the Red Devils will be able to play their traditional attacking trio upfront in the absence of the Danish ace.
Marcus Rashford, who netted 30 goals last season, has taken on the role of a central striker for a significant portion of the pre-season. He is expected to lead the line once again.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has stepped into the left-wing position, and his recent form signifies that the manager would be willing to let him run riot on the flanks. Antony should fill the last spot up front.
Jadon Sancho is another option to be considered in case of a change of plans. Bruno Fernandes is expected to lead as the captain in the upcoming match at Old Trafford on Monday.
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New signings Mason Mount and Andre Onana are also expected to make their starting XI in what will be their first league match in a United shirt.
We have already started feeling the heat of the brand-new Premier League season.
